When Masayuki Hayashi and colleagues from Chiba University and National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Japan, bred wild-caught Japanese green lacewings in the lab, they were surprised to find that the vast majority of hatched insects were female. Instead of the…

Neural networks: efficient and adaptable A new study suggests that the network of neurons found in the human brain may be organized in a hierarchical structure to reduce energy costs associated with building and maintaining connections. Researchers say these findings may increase…

Bright, shiny spots dotting the Sahara Desert may look like particularly reflective grains of sand, but they are actually ants that have adapted to harsh desert temperatures by growing special reflective hairs on their backs. According to a new PLOS ONE…

Chemotaxis is a process in which cells sense and move up or down chemical gradients. To learn more about the complex mechanisms behind chemotaxis, Monica Skoge at Princeton University, and colleagues decided to hold a worldwide competition. Fourteen participating teams…

The shimmering eyespots on the tail feathers of a dancing male peacock remain almost motionless as he shakes his plumage to impress a potential mate, according to a recent PLOS ONE study. This new finding brings scientists one step closer…